The Supreme Court on Feb. 17 unanimously rejected an appeal from Catholic parents who sought to keep their children out of the course because they felt that exposing them to a variety of religions would confuse them.

The nine high court judges disagreed, saying that exposing children to beliefs and values that differ from their own is a fact of life in Canada's multicultural society.

"The early exposure of children to realities that differ from those in their immediate family environment is a fact of life in society," the court ruled.

Simply teaching children other religions "does not constitute an indoctrination of students that would infringe on the (parents') freedom of religion," the court found.

Interesting development.

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If you will, you can become all flame.Extra caritatem nulla salus.In order to become whole, take the "I" out of "holiness". सर्वभूतहितἌνω σχῶμεν τὰς καρδίας"Those who say religion has nothing to do with politics do not know what religion is." -- Mohandas GandhiY dduw bo'r diolch.

Honestly, I did enjoy reading about the different cultures and beliefs. It is actually good to know what others believe and why, so you can hold a decent conversation with them.

I would make certain just "what" is taught. Teaching the facts is one thing, however, if any one "faith" is being pushed on the kids as being the "right"one, that would be a no no.

My only issue is that usually these classes are not all-inclusive and often completely step over anything Christian.

My sister's kids were taught about different cultures starting in 3rd grade!!!! Yes, that early. They came home talking all about Jewish Hanukkah, Islamic Eid and Indian Dewali.....and yet, nothing about Christian Christmas or Easter. Nothing.

The teachings are usually one sided....and therefore, the impetus is on us, to ensure that our children "know" their own Faith and are deeply rooted and strong within it. The schools won't do it, nor, in fact should they. It's our responsibility that the kids learn about and grow to love Orthodoxy.

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Conquer evil men by your gentle kindness, and make zealous men wonder at your goodness. Put the lover of legality to shame by your compassion. With the afflicted be afflicted in mind. Love all men, but keep distant from all men.—St. Isaac of Syria

Regardless of what a person thinks about being exposed to different cultures and religion, state-mandated social engineering is rather annoying.

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"For, by its immensity, the divine substance surpasses every form that our intellect reaches. Thus we are unable to apprehend it by knowing what it is. Yet we are able to have some knowledge of it by knowing what it is not." - St. Thomas Aquinas, Summa contra gentiles, I, 14.